The Cavaliers got blown out again last night, this time in Toronto. (The man in the gray suit with his back to the camera is assistant coach Phil Handy.) That’s six losses in eight games. That’s two straight defeats by 25+.

Consider this: The Raptors had a player – former NC State point guard Lorenzo Brown – suit up in a G-League game Thursday, and then at night he was on the court in the first half as Toronto pulled away from Cleveland.

The Cavs are a dumpster fire. Is it temporary? Probably. But they slumped at the end of the regular season last year … then turned it on in the playoffs and went 12-1 against the East. This year the East is significantly improved, and they could end up having to go through Ben Simmons & Joel Embiid in the first round, then Giannis or John Wall in the 2nd round, before a date with Kyrie Irving in the Eastern Conference Finals. They will not go 12-1 again.

It’s only been four games, but Isaiah Thomas, who is clearly looking to get paid in the offseason, is shooting 35% from the field and 26% on three-pointers. It’s early.

The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Will Cleveland part with that coveted Brooklyn Nets pick to improve the team? There’s really only one player who could make them a true Championship contender – that’s Paul George. Will OKC part with him to rent him for six months?

As the NFL season winds down, the NBA season sure is getting exciting.

Jason McIntyre

Spent a few years as a sportswriter in newspapers, then a few years as a magazine reporter, and freelanced for many outlets before starting The Big Lead in 2006. It was sold in 2010 and acquired by USA Today in 2012. Jason can also be heard on Fox Sports Radio, Saturday mornings from 6-9 am EST.